Types of Coffee Beans

Behind every cup of coffee we drink, there is a carefully graded bean. The beans are graded based on color, size and shape.

The AA rating is given to coffee beans that meet the criteria above, except that they can't have more than 3 defects (quakers). These beans are usually Kenya AA beans.

Arabica

Arabica coffee beans shop beans are also known as Coffea Arabicica and are the most popular coffee bean in the world. Legend has it that coffee was first discovered in Ethiopia when a goat herder noticed his herd dancing with more energy after eating the fruit of the coffee plant. This led him to experiment with roasting the seeds and brewing the coffee, resulting in the drink which we enjoy today.

While a myriad of coffee plants are available however, there are two major species used to create the basis for all our favorite brews: arabica and robusta. The taste of the final beverage is typically more appealing with the first.

There are a variety of arabica cultivars. Each has its own unique taste profile. Two of the most famous varieties are Typica and Bourbon which are the basis for all other varieties of arabica were developed either through natural mutations or deliberate crossbreeding. Scott Labs developed the SL28 cultivar in Kenya which is famous for its distinctive chocolaty flavour.

The taste of an arabica variety will depend on the environment in the area it is grown as well as the way it is handled and roasted. For instance, the type of shade a tree receives in its altitude, its elevation and soil composition can all play a significant impact on the final product.

Robusta

Robusta coffee beans (Coffea canephora) are the second most popular variety of coffee. They are used in most instant coffees and have twice the amount of caffeine as Arabica Coffee Beans. They also are used in the making of many espresso blends particularly for cappuccino, caffe latte and light roast coffee Beans other coffee drinks.

The Coffea Canephora plant was first discovered in Sub-Saharan Africa, but it is now grown throughout the globe. It is able to grow at lower elevations and can withstand higher temperatures than Arabica cheap coffee Beans plants, which makes it more convenient for farmers. Vietnam is currently the largest producer of robusta coffee, followed by Brazil and Indonesia.

Although the robusta plant has its benefits however, it's not as adored by cupping enthusiasts for its bitter taste and burnt rubber notes. It's usually regarded as an inferior coffee and most large coffee companies use arabica beans for their top quality products.

The demand for specialty coffees is increasing, and small roasters are experimenting to make the most of its exceptional qualities. Our Valhalla Java and Death With Coffee are two examples of outstanding robusta coffees. They are blended with arabica to give the perfect blend of flavour and strength. These coffees originate from Uganda, a country where robusta has long been cultivated. Read more about these coffees.

Liberica

Liberica coffee beans are rare varieties that are seldom used around the globe. They make up less than 2% the world's consumption of coffee beans, and are often overlooked because they don't contain as much caffeine. However, these beans have distinctive taste that many coffee enthusiasts find appealing.

Despite being extremely scarce, Liberica coffee beans are still popular in a few regions of Asia. They are most popular in Malaysia and Indonesia with an extensive Muslim population. In these countries, the coffee industry has been strong for many years. Drinking a cup of coffee following a prayer is a part of their culture.

Liberica coffee's history dates back to the 1890s which was the time when a global epidemic caused by rust on the coffee leaf decimated the arabica crop. This caused coffee producers to search for a more resilient plant that could thrive in tropical climates. They soon found the Liberica.

Liberica plants are resistant to pests and diseases which makes them the perfect replacement for the devastated arabica crop. Liberica also has the ability to thrive in hot temperatures and lower altitudes, which allowed it to flourish in the climate of Southeast Asia. Liberica beans are the main ingredient in the production of the gourmet coffee beans in the Philippines and Indonesia.

Excelsa

While it isn't common for coffee drinkers to find excelsa beans, they are beginning to gain recognition for their distinct flavor. According to Komal Sable, a fifth generation coffee farmer at South India Coffee Co. These beans are "a variation of the liberica species and have similar teardrop shapes, however, they are smaller." It's important to remember that despite the resemblance in family between excelsa and liberica the species isn't a separate one.

As such, it's a little bit confusing as to the best way to classify excelsa beans. categorized and it's this confusion that's been at the root of the beans' absence in the world of coffee. Because of this, a lot of roasters, growers, and brewers aren't sure how to grow and utilize these beans properly.

It's ultimately up to each individual to decide if they prefer the taste of excelsa and it might take some time to find the perfect blend. It is important to be open and try different kinds of coffee until you've found the one you like. By doing so you'll have the chance to experience the full variety of possibilities these unique beans can offer. This is a journey worth taking.